What will students study in Design and Technology this year?
Through Key Stage Three students embark on an engaging journey through four key disciplines within Design and Technology: Product Design, Engineering, Food & Nutrition and Textiles. Each project is designed to foster creativity, build practical skills as well as an understanding of the real-world application of Design & Technology. real-world applications.
Year 7
- During Product Design students are introduced to the safe and effective use of specialist tools and equipment within the workshop environment. They begin by constructing a wooden toy robot based on a set design specification, allowing them to practice foundational workshop skills such as using a disc sander, files, pillar drill and a tenon saw. Building upon this, students then re-design and create their own robot design featuring moving joints, applying their acquired skills and creativity.
- In this unit, students explore the fundamentals of structural engineering. They apply mathematical concepts to design and construct lightweight structures, utilising the design cycle to plan, build, test, and refine their models. This hands-on approach encourages problem-solving and iterative improvement, mirroring real-world engineering practices.
- In Food & Nutrition students delve into the principles of nutrition and healthy eating, guided by government dietary recommendations. They develop confidence in the kitchen by learning to use a variety of equipment and mastering basic recipes independently. Practical skills are honed through the preparation of both sweet and savoury dishes, including healthy flapjacks using the melting method, macaroni cheese made with a roux sauce, and layered pasta salads that enhance chopping and presentation techniques.
- Their Textiles unit introduces students to the use of sewing machines and basic surface decoration techniques. They design and produce a four-panel cushion cover themed around the four seasons, each panel showcasing a different decorative method. Students select techniques that best represent their design ideas and combine them cohesively, finishing the project with an envelope-style back. This project emphasises creativity, precision, and the application of newly acquired textile skills.
Year 8
- In their Product Design unit, students apply the design cycle to create and prototype an inclusive hand tool. They'll explore principles of inclusive design, anthropometrics, and ergonomics. Testing concepts to ensure usability across different users with varying needs. Through hand drawing, modelling, user feedback, and testing, learners explore form and function before progressing to CAD/CAM and workshop-based physical prototyping.
- Through their Engineering unit, students begin programming sensor-controlled components, sharpening computational thinking as they design and build sensor-based circuit prototypes. They’ll collaborate on custom Scalextric slot car projects, using 3D modelling and 3D printing. Students will have the opportunity through this project to enter the national Scalextric4Schools competition. This challenge offers a complete Design, Make, Race experience.
- Within Textiles, students visit and interview residents from a local residential care home to design and produce themed postcards that reflect their memories or stories. Through interviews and research-based thematic development, students will apply various decorative textile techniques to bring their stories and designs to life. Cultivating design empathy and storytelling skills.
- In Food & Nutrition, students will build on their Year 7 skills and investigate dietary requirements, allergies, and recipe adaptation. They will prepare a series of tailored sweet and savoury dishes, focusing on high-quality presentation. Each dish is photographed, sensory-analysed, and evaluated so students can build technical cooking skills and reflective self-assessment.
Year 9
- In Textiles, Year 9 students collaborate with Year 3 pupils from Crofton Junior School on a client-led monster project. Each Textiles student will receive a monster design from a Year 3 pupil. They will then design, construct, and return their finished monster for child-led feedback. This experience teaches students to interpret real client needs, ensure toy safety, and iterate designs based on user responses. During a DT lesson, they will visit Crofton to evaluate their designs in person and gain first-hand feedback.
- During their Product Design unit, students study material properties, applying this knowledge to design and prototype their own desk lamp/ night light. Using 3D CAD software, they with model, design and rapid prototype their lamp base and then design and model a way of dispersing the light combining the two elements of the lamp to create a final product.
- In engineering students will learn about simple machines including pulleys, gears, and linkages and how these mechanisms are applied in real-world products. They'll undertake an engineering design challenge that requires them to integrate these mechanisms thoughtfully, solving a defined practical problem. This unit promotes understanding of mechanical systems and force transfer.
- During their Food & Nutrition unit, under the theme of Multicultural Meals, students will prepare and cook a range of diverse flavoured dishes tailored inspired by different dishes from around the world. Final dishes will be photographed, presented and evaluated preparing students for the rigour of GCSE Food & Nutrition. Students will also learn about fairtrade foods, seasonality, sourcing ingredients, food suitability and food provenance.
What are the major assessments this year?
Students are assessed through a combination of practical tasks and evaluations of their research, analysis, design, and reflective skills across each project. This multi-faceted assessment approach ensures that both practical proficiency and critical thinking are measured.
What will the current performance grade be based on, and what do the levels mean?
Student performance is evaluated through a blend of practical work and rigorous assessment of their research, analytical, design, and evaluation skills across all projects.
How Assessment Works
- Project-Based Evidence: Grades reflect performance within each project, using a mix of practical tasks and critical thinking skills which emphasise diverse and authentic ways of measuring progress.
- Clear Rubrics & Benchmarks: At the start of each rotation, students receive a detailed assessment sheet outlining expected tasks, success criteria, and milestones.
- Ongoing Feedback: Regular formative and summative checks, as well as peer and self-assessment opportunities, help students understand where they are, where they’re heading, and how to adjust. This continuous approach supports growth and reflection.
What should my student do if they feel they are struggling in the subject?
In the first instance, they should speak to their subject teacher who will help to identify specific areas for improvement or targeted support. If you have any concerns, we are always happy to talk. Please email ncameron@nesteadwood.co.uk
How can I support my student in Year 7?
The best way to provide general support is by discussing their project work D&T and how things are going. If you want to build and extend your design skill and knowledge access the CAD programs online and build your knowledge in using these. This could be programs like OnShape CAD or TinkerCAD. They are free, web based and can build 3D modelling, design communication and problem solving skills.
You can Visit exhibitions and galleries such as the Design Museum, The V&A both in Kensington & The Young V&A in Bethnal Green. There are also lots of smaller fantastic museums with a design focus such as The Fasion & Textile Museum in London Bridge or The Museum of Brands, The Horneman Museum & The London Transport Museum.
There are lots of fantastic online publications as well as social media accounts dedicated to the Design industry. These could also be a great source of research. Dezeen. & Design Boom. For food Good Food is a great source of interesting recipes to try and cook at home. For textiles Vogue or Dazed.
What kind of independent work should my child be completing?
Students are given regular homework to complete. This should be recorded on Microsoft Teams. Quite often pupils will be asked to evaluate their practical tasks or keep a working diary linked to their project.
To do well in Design and Technology they should ensure they are keeping up to date with their research, design and evaluation homework set and make sure that they are taking lots of photos of the progress of their practical project or of the processes they are learning.
Outside of curriculum time D&T host a range of clubs and facilitate lots of competitions for students to participate in. We are also always happy to support independent working on personal projects, if students wish to learn to use specialist equipment like the 3D printers they can do this during lunchtime or after school by speaking with their teacher. The D&T bloke is open during lunch time and after school, students just need to ensure there is a D&T member of there to supervise them.
Who can I contact for further advice and information?
Please feel free to contact the Head of Design and Technology, Mrs Cameron, ncameron@newsteadwood.co.uk with as much detailed information as possible.